Historical Notes from The Bishop - Panman & Historian Allan Leslie Bishop aka Laddie

Apr 11

Apr 11 Historical Notes from The Bishop - Panman & Historian Allan Leslie Bishop aka Laddie

The Evolution of the Steelpan - Down South

Hollis J. Clifton chats with Pan Pioneers Secretary - Allan Leslie “Laddie” Bishop

An elated Allan Bishop celebrated his eightieth (80) birthday on November 14, 2011, having outlived most of his Pan pioneers. He was honoured by Pan Trinbago in 2010 for his contribution to the development of the steelpan. He credits his longevity to daily treks out the streets for his newspapers. If ever there was a true “ Coffee boy “ then it must be Bishop as he was born and bred at 101A Coffee Street in San Fernando, Trinidad, the industrial capital of the English-speaking Caribbean.

Bishop’s venture into the steelpan world began sometime around 1942 when Bataan Steelband of Skinner Street took up residence at his mother’s residence on Coffee Street. During his association with Bataan, he functioned as a ping pong player alongside Reynold “Little Brave” Gaskin. On hindsight, he reiterates that his sojourn at Bataan was, indeed, gratifying since steelbands of that era laid the foundation for today’s perfection.

Bataan met its demise around 1946/47 when Emile “Zola” Williams asked Bishop’s mother for him to join “Cross of Loraine” Free French. At that time Bataan’s membership included the likes of Captain Herman “Teddy” Clarke, Norman “Youth” Curtis, Reynold Gaskin, Mickey Cardinal, Kenneth “Gulab” Belgrove, Mac Copeland, Radcliffe Copeland, Errol James, Errol White, Joseph, Babsy “Semitone” Lashley, Hugh Barr, Peter Forde, Joseph Barriteau, Alvin Cardinal, Edward Cardinal, Mickie Cardinal, Thomas Squire, and Ralph “Chicken” Blackman among others too numerous to remember.

The experience with Bataan was etched in Bishop’s mind simply because he played alongside some of the great players of old times – Theodore Stephens who toured England with TASPO in 1951. He had the honor of competing with such bands as Casablanca, Invaders, Red Army, Hill Sixty, Southern Marines, and Southern Symphony among others of the mid-century.

Playing against Casablanca in 1947 at Queen’s Park Savannah remains vividly in his mind to date … he hums the memorable “Bells of St Mary” the tune they played on that occasion. Again, Bishop aka “Laddie” recalls accompanying Governor Shaw from Palms Club, San Fernando to Skinner Park when the band played the French national anthem throughout … he once more interjected with the tune.

The year was 1950 when they played at Royal Cinema in Port-of-Spain coming up against All-Stars, City Syncopators, and Casablanca among others. “City Syncopators did a wonderful rendition of “Come Back to Sorento” but “they could not undo us” as we got a standing ovation with “Stormy Weather,” remembers Laddie.

Steelbands in the 1940s and 1950’s changed dramatically as the pans, particularly the ping pongs, were tuned from Coconut Growers Association (CGA) drums mainly with an approximate width of 14" or thereabouts in diameter. Pans were “pushed up” (convex) and could only play “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and “Alan Ladd This gun For Hire” among other songs of that era.

Recalling an Anglican Church Hall train excursion to Couva, Central Trinidad on Empire Day, May 24 - Bishop recalls seeing a sinkin’ small ping pong resembling a clock in a band called “Swanee River” from Port-of-Spain, and that the instrument was played by Mr. Kerkham Polo who subsequently became a resident of San Fernando.

OVERSEAS TRAVEL

The former Pan maestro made his first trip abroad in 1951 performing in Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia, Grenada, and Barbados with Free French. To do that, however, it took the intervention of George Goddard as President of the then-Steelband Association, to apply for no-pay leave for him [Bishop] to accompany the band as he had only just gotten employment with (TLL) Trinidad Leasehold Ltd. at Point- a-Pierre. Among the players who made the tour were Emile Williams (captain), Neville Ali Bocas, Lloyd “Inventor” Merchant – the calypsonian, Winston Crichlow, Errol “Blocka” Phillips, Theophilos “Shamba” Jackson, Louis Stewart, Harry Boodoo, Meadow Williams, Spence and others beyond his recollection.

COMPETITIONS

During the period 1942–1950 there were quite a number of steelband competitions organized. People like Messrs Roy Joseph, Albert Gomes, Lennox Pierre, and Cannon Max Farquhar all came to the protection and existence of the steelbands which were stigmatized by certain sections of the population and law enforcement, as most of those persons were totally against what Bishop would term the only creative invention of modern and ancient musical history getting all the praise today. Steelbands in the 1940s were called noisy instruments.

Going back to 1951 on the return of Theodore Stephens from England where he played with TASPO, he remained with Free French until 1952 when the band performed at the music festival of that year at Roxy Cinema, gaining top points for the test piece. Racking his brain, Bishop speculates that the test piece could well have been “Taking the Long Road Home” but their tune of choice was “Handel’s Largo.” Mr. Hoyte was criticized by the adjudicators Mr. Wiseman and Sydney Northcote as an unfinished piece that, therefore, should not be played. There was an option or an alternate song - “Delilah” - which the band had learned, and Bishop told Theo, (as the arranger) to play [it] instead, but the latter did not listen.

Eventually, Boys Town of Carenage led by Clem Bellerand emerged champions of the festival. Bishop surmised that they may have played “Beautiful Dreamer’ or “You are my Heart’s Delight.” Subsequently, Theodore Stephens and a few members formed a band on Johnstone Street named Metronome. Bishop found himself in a quandary… still have a great love for Free French but finding himself playing with Metronomes, particularly because it was the same fellas - with just a name change. What appeared to have worked in Bishop’s favor was that he had secured gainful employment with TLL at Pointe-a-Pierre in the ‘oil belt.’

With the passing of time, Theo decided to form his own band. This resulted in the emergence of Southern All-Stars. Again, a different name but a recycling of players – all from the mother band, Free French. Bishop again found himself in a dilemma but nonetheless, took the position “if you can’t beat them join them.” His similarly-aged cohorts were the likes of Theo and Selwyn Stephens, Kenneth “Heads” Baptiste, Harry Boodoo, Neville Alibocas, Rolly Wong, Lloyd “Inventor” Merchant, Hugh Barr, Kenneth “Rebels” Wyke, Young Melody, Owen “Tackie” Donovan, Louis Stewart, Barber Stewart, George Roberts among others.

Southern All Stars was a grand band and was able to win the Music Festival of 1954 with the unforgettable “Anna” beating Trinidad All-Stars into second position with a piece entitled “La Mere.” One band, which he believes maybe Dixie Land, was debarred from participating as they had gone beyond the requisite number of players allowed for the competition.

THE EFFECT OF MIGRATION

The quest for a better life saw Theo and his brother Selwyn together with Rebels and Blocker migrating to the United Kingdom. The band was left to the mercy of ‘steelband plunderers.’ The outfit firstly went to Roy Joseph Scheme, then to Cipero Street, San Fernando; not long after they moved to Leotaud Street.

During this period the band developed a powerful ‘sailor band’ image. Bishop was not impressed so he took a leave of absence for a while as he felt that the band could not last. Not far from the truth … the band again moved… this time to Medine Street. Management woes saw the members beckoning Bishop to return to the fold. The love of Pan saw him adhering to the call. But, however, there was an opportunity cost. Next to 90% of the players were not gainfully employed. Thus he found himself deviating his time and limited resources to pander to the needs of the band which incidentally moved again, this time to Tanty Myra’s home on the corner of Coffee and Drayton Streets.

THE MULTIPLIER EFFECT - Band, after band, after band

Notwithstanding those events, All-Stars remained rather popular in mas attracting a large cross-section of supporters. Turbulence, nevertheless, remained the order of the movement. It was in 1964 when a few players pulled away resulting in the founding of Silvertones – they quickly found sponsorship in WASA (the Water and Sewerage Authority). The members of that new outfit included Randolph, Boy Grant, Felix, Cocona, and David Balboa to name a few.

All-Stars were left with the Cooper brothers –Ashley and Ali, Charles Des Vignes, Francis Le Carde and Owen Donovan. That split, without doubt, resulted in the merger of All-Stars and Antilleans following a meeting on Carib Street at the home of Jamil Whitby at which Ashley Cooper suggested the term Antillean All-Stars.

Without a sponsor, the mantle of Antillean All Stars rested heavily on the shoulders of Bishop. What was thought to be insurmountable for the band was more than ably dealt with by Bishop. Maybe only David Balbosa could attest to this. The task was just humongous.

It was through the generosity of Donovan and Bishop that Kenneth “Gulab” Belgrove (deceased) and Mr. Weeks, Foreman at Terco Rethread, that Pans were given towards the formation of Fonclaire.

TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS with ANTILLEAN ALL-STARS

Without the assistance of a sponsor Bishop acquired drums, pipe among other things and solicited the assistance of his wife’s brother-in-law to construct the stands for the band until the $3.00 band fee per player would have been collected from the masqueraders. That, however, was another story since people were not willing to pay, so it was a straight case of hide and seek.

Despite Bishop’s administrative responsibilities he still made time to play his favorite ping pong. At one stage he found himself borrowing money from the Credit Union, Point-a-Pierre from whence he went straight to Hunt Road, Bagatelle, San Juan [in North Trinidad] and purchased five tenor pans. After taking three taxis to reach the pan yard everyone started scrambling for the new pans. He gave way for the sake of the band and continued playing the old “boxy” tenor as before.

Reminiscing the good old day's Bishop alluded to an occasion when they did a gig at Naparima Club with Bert Bailey and the Jets, Johnny Lee and the Hurricanes, Kabuki Strings and Antillean All-Stars. At the end of the dance, all the players were nowhere to be found. It was then up to Bishop to ensure that all the instruments got back to the panyard. To date, he affirms, he has not yet received any compensation … all in the love of the art form … no stress.

All-Stars were never the recipient of any form of financial sponsorship until 1968 when they became victorious in the Southern Panorama with “Miss Tourist.” He laments, however, not being privy to arrangements regarding the same. However, he persisted with the band seeking for solutions by and by.

In reference to a case in 1969 Bishop reiterated when one supported got some pipe to make stands. Whenever he collected band fees he would give the cash to the arranger. He was home Carnival Tuesday when his wife told him that he should rest as he looked rather tired. He defied her and was glad he did for as he got to the yard one supporter emphatically informed him that the band could not leave unless he got his money - one hundred and twenty dollars ($120.00). He was also told to keep out of it. Bishop then told him that he wanted the band to play.

Subsequently, he went to his Aunt’s house on Drayton Street and coolly borrowed the money and gave it to the supporter. In return, he asked him to assist him in collecting band fees from masqueraders. On reaching Skinner Park Bishop retrieved the $120.00 - which he borrowed from his Aunt and took out $100.00 - to compensate the two individuals who assisted in collecting band fee. In full view of the captain, who was playing congas on the float he gave the arranger three Addidas bags of money and departed to get some rest as he was tired and famished.

After carnival when he inquired about the amount of money collected he was told [it was] three hundred and something dollars ($300.00 plus). Unfortunately, the members of the band accepted that and felt he cheated them. Some even went to the extent of abusing him. The supporter almost damaged the captain because he was well aware that the allegations against Bishop were false.

Bishop made reference to some drums which he had taken to the pan builder for tuning. The arranger was privy to the arrangement. The band, nonetheless, refused to release the money to pay the tuner to this day. A remorseful Bishop thinks that maybe today Kelman [the pan builder/tuner] still has him in his mind but God knows he is still innocent. In his own words “I am innocent; I have dealt with heartless persons all my life but my association with Antillean All-Stars is unforgettable. I continue. With the band now being sponsored no longer a factor - I took the opportunity to look after my neglected wife and children but I still have a deep love for the band.”

The Fall and Rise of ORGANETTES

Nevertheless, time heals and a new band was about to be formed in 1975 with David Balboa, Leary Newallo, Libert Newallo, Norman Curtis, John Sheppard, Marshal, Ray Davis, Neville Moe, Charles Des Vignes, Emery, and others, particularly all Silvertones members. They named the band “Organettes” which was subsequently sponsored and called “Damus Organettes.” “I was elected secretary of the band and remained in that position until the band dissolved a couple of years after.”

Ms. Marjorie Wooding was the band’s arranger. Differences between Captain Norman Curtis and David Balboa saw the latter taking his marbles and joining the fold of Hatters. It took the intervention of Bishop, who crusaded for the return of Balboa because he was a founding member. Captain Curtis eventually relented which saw the return of Balbosa to the fold of Organettes.

Sometime later it was revealed that Balbosa was mistreated by someone in authority at Hatters. Later on Balbosa, as a member of Organettes, was elected to office in Pan Trinbago. Three decades later Balbosa has returned to office as a member of Hatters.

THE FATE OF ALL-STARS

Bishop laments the demise of his old band All-Stars all because of greed “what they did ... all those opportunists they kill the goose hoping to get all the golden eggs … I knew for a fact that that couldn’t happen because steelbands are beyond ridicule and abuse, you need to be professional and I did not see those traits in anyone after I left the band. They were bent on plundering the band and when the band started to decline one captain went with Phase II, another went with Invaders others became Despers supporters …you name it.”

Bishop continues “The existing Southern All-Stars is now owned by a family in Claxton Bay. What a shame. Antillean All-Stars, once a great band is hardly with supporters. I have no regrets I’ve had my happy years around Pan and enjoying myself, although not actually playing the instrument.”

“It would be remiss of me if I did not mention my mother’s and family interest in the steelband. I remember on one occasion a resident of Coffee Street in my presence, told her nephew who was attending a prestigious college in Port-of-Spain and who, ironically, became a comedian and steelband man afterwards - that he should not associate with Miss Daisy children because they have some hooligans in her yard only making noise whole day.

“I immediately went home and told my mother what was said by the individual. She promptly replied, “don’t take her on, this same noisy thing would become famous and everyone who disliked it now would get all the fame.” She urged me to continue playing, but just keep away from lawlessness. Those words were said to be around 1945/46.

“The union between Free French, Metronomes and Southern All-Stars was evident as Free French and Metronome joined forces in 1959 and played in the music Festival at Empire Cinema in San Fernando. We were victorious playing “Mambo Granada and Gold and Silver Waltz” Southern Symphony emerged second playing “Alma Llanera.” CrossWinds and other bands participated in that Festival.”

He recalled that in 1948-49 Ossie George and he participated in the “Local Talent on Parade” at Globe Cinema in San Fernando. The programme’s host was impresario Sam Ghany of Radio Trinidad. The duo emerged second in the competition with a piece entitled “Old Ansine.”

Note: Bishop will like to mention some of the women who vastly assisted in the development of Pan in the early years:-

Daisy Hunt, Myra Le Carde, Amanda Sandy, Mrs. Lalsingh.

In an expression of gratitude Bishop stated “I am the Secretary of the Southern Pan Pioneers. An organization of retired pan players; almost everyone is in his seventies. We are being housed at the Skiffle Bunch Pan Theatre and may I say that we are very well respected and treated by all concerned. Our prayers go out to Skiffle Bunch, its leader Mr. Regrello and all others, particularly Southern bands, and the executives in all the regions of Pan Trinbago.”

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“Laddie” appears to be somewhat of a perfectionist hence, this story took almost two years to complete.